Gibdock says ERP software brings efficiency gains

JULY 9, 2014 — Gibraltar-based ship repair yard Gibdock has invested in an automated and harmonized estimating, quotation, specification and invoicing system. The Microsoft Dynamics AX Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system overarches the yard's finance, stock management, project management and HR systems and is part of a strategic back-office upgrade.

The new software delivers a seamless administration operation. First phase development, combining off-the-shelf and custom elements, went live at the turn of the year, with the second, more shipyard-specific phase being rolled out before the end of 2014.

Nathan Boccaccio, Gibdock's Financial Controller, who is leading on this project, says: "The next phase will allow us to improve the way we track quality certificates and information related to our quality control processes. For example we will be able to automate the tracing of items placed onboard a vessel during a repair and their compliance with quality standards."

The HR component of the Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP will also be significantly enhanced in the second phase, especially as far as training and certification are concerned. "As a result we will be able to confirm more quickly not just that a particular pipe or steel plate is of the appropriate quality standard, but also that the welder or technician who installed it has the appropriate training and up to date certificates in place," Mr. Boccaccio says.

The ERP system is already making a considerable difference to operations at Gibdock. "We can now generate more detailed management reports, even faster than before, and we can give our project managers more information so they can do their job more efficiently and effectively," says Mr. Boccaccio. "They now have quicker, easier visibility across the whole process, can instantly see the cost make up of different projects, and are better placed to implement effective solutions in line with the requirements of our business and that of the client."